Parkites encouraged to lace up and Run With Ed

"The best part about it," Beard said, "is your first day of training is stretching."

The race itself is only part of the equation. There is also much competition among participating teams over who can raise the most money, Beard said. Last year, the event raised more than $100,000, with all of the proceeds going to the Park City Education Foundation.

Beard said the foundation helps provide a better educational experience for local students, and that's something that ripples throughout the community.

"I'm passionate about it because I have children in elementary school at Parley's Park," he said. "But I think it's bigger than that. It's big for our community in that, if you have a good school district, you have an attractive community. That is good for everyone."

A party will be held after the race, as well, featuring food, music and family activities. Beard said it's a great time for residents to get together and celebrate a worthy cause.

"I'm biased, obviously, but it is truly one of the events in Park City that I look forward to during the year," he said. "I compare it to the Fourth of July. I wouldn't miss the Fourth of July here because I think it's one of the best days in town. It's just a fun day from start to finish."

Discounted early team registration, which costs $375 for five members, ends today. Regular registration, which costs $400, will be ongoing. For more information, visit runningwithed.com.

That’s the first thing Sean Beard wants people to know about participating in Running With Ed, the annual fundraising race put on by the Park City Education Foundation.

"It’s a race for any person," said Beard, who serves on Running With Ed’s executive committee. "I won’t even say any level of runner because you don’t need to be one. I myself am not a runner. I don’t do it. However, I love this race. Even the non-runner can make it happen."

The 38-mile relay race will be held May 16. The event has 10 legs and teams participating can have up to 10 racers, though Beard said most typically have five. The longest leg is 6.5 miles, while the shortest is 1.5 miles, meaning there’s something for people of all ability levels.

For those who are still unsure if they’re ready to participate, there is a training program on the race’s website, runningwithed.com, to ensure everyone who wants to run is in racing shape.

"The best part about it," Beard said, "is your first day of training is stretching."

The race itself is only part of the equation. There is also much competition among participating teams over who can raise the most money, Beard said. Last year, the event raised more than $100,000, with all of the proceeds going to the Park City Education Foundation.

Beard said the foundation helps provide a better educational experience for local students, and that’s something that ripples throughout the community.

"I’m passionate about it because I have children in elementary school at Parley’s Park," he said. "But I think it’s bigger than that. It’s big for our community in that, if you have a good school district, you have an attractive community. That is good for everyone."

A party will be held after the race, as well, featuring food, music and family activities. Beard said it’s a great time for residents to get together and celebrate a worthy cause.

"I’m biased, obviously, but it is truly one of the events in Park City that I look forward to during the year," he said. "I compare it to the Fourth of July. I wouldn’t miss the Fourth of July here because I think it’s one of the best days in town. It’s just a fun day from start to finish."

Discounted early team registration, which costs $375 for five members, ends today. Regular registration, which costs $400, will be ongoing. For more information, visit runningwithed.com.